GENERAL INFORMATION
The stylohyoid is a slender, elongated muscle located in the neck, running between the base of the skull and the hyoid bone. It plays a vital role in swallowing and speech by elevating the hyoid bone and helping to move the tongue. This muscle is part of the suprahyoid muscle group, which supports the floor of the mouth and facilitates the movements required for speech, chewing, and swallowing.
ORIGIN
The stylohyoid muscle originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone, which is located just below the ear.
INSERTION POINT
It inserts into the body of the hyoid bone at its junction with the greater horn, where it helps elevate the hyoid bone during swallowing.
MAJOR ARTERIES
- Facial artery: Supplies blood to the stylohyoid muscle, ensuring it receives adequate oxygen and nutrients.
- Lingual artery: Provides additional blood flow to the hyoid region, including the stylohyoid muscle.
NEURAL INNERVATION
- Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII): Innervates the stylohyoid muscle, controlling its actions during swallowing and speech.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the stylohyoid muscle can cause discomfort in the throat and jaw, sometimes radiating pain to the ear. This can make swallowing and speaking feel strained, especially if the muscle is overworked or tense.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
During a concentric contraction, the stylohyoid muscle shortens to elevate the hyoid bone and pull it backwards. This action aids in moving food and liquids down the throat and helps position the tongue during speech.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
In eccentric contraction, the stylohyoid muscle lengthens while controlling the lowering of the hyoid bone after swallowing or speaking. This gradual release of tension ensures smooth transitions during swallowing and prevents the throat from closing too quickly.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The stylohyoid muscle can hold the hyoid bone in a stable position during isometric contraction, allowing for prolonged speaking or swallowing without the hyoid bone shifting out of place. This stabilisation is crucial for maintaining proper neck and oral function.
RELATED MUSCLES – SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Mylohyoid muscle: Assists in elevating the hyoid bone and stabilises the floor of the mouth.
- Geniohyoid muscle: Elevates the hyoid bone and assists in depressing the mandible.
- Digastric muscle: Elevates the hyoid bone and helps open the mouth.
- Hyoglossus muscle: Depresses the tongue and helps with speech and swallowing.
ANTAGONIST
- Sternohyoid muscle: Opposes the stylohyoid by lowering the hyoid bone after it has been elevated.
- Omohyoid muscle: Acts as an antagonist by depressing the hyoid bone and assisting in controlling its position during swallowing.
COMMON INJURIES
- Stylohyoid Muscle Strain: Overuse of the stylohyoid during swallowing or prolonged speech can lead to tightness, pain, and discomfort in the neck and jaw.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction: Tightness in the stylohyoid muscle can contribute to jaw pain and difficulty moving the jaw, exacerbating TMJ issues.
- Swallowing Difficulties: Dysfunction or strain in the stylohyoid can cause discomfort while swallowing, resulting in a feeling of tightness or difficulty moving food down the throat.
- Muscle Fatigue: Prolonged use of the stylohyoid during speaking or singing can cause muscle fatigue, resulting in a strained voice or discomfort in the throat.
- Tension Headaches: Tightness in the stylohyoid muscle can lead to tension headaches, mainly when the muscle’s trigger points cause pain radiating towards the ear.
EXERCISES
- Jaw Resistance Exercise: Place your hand under your chin and gently resist as you try to open your mouth. This exercise strengthens the stylohyoid muscle, improving its ability to control jaw movement.
- Neck Flexion Exercise: Lie on your back and gently lift your head while keeping your chin tucked in. This exercise engages the stylohyoid and surrounding muscles, helping to strengthen the neck.
- Mouth Opening Exercise: Slowly open your mouth as wide as possible, then close it in a controlled manner. This exercise helps strengthen the stylohyoid and improve jaw flexibility.
- Chin Tuck Exercise: Gently tuck your chin towards your chest while keeping your back straight. This exercise activates the stylohyoid muscle and helps improve posture.
- Isometric Neck Hold: Place your hand on your forehead and push lightly while resisting neck movement. This exercise engages the stylohyoid and surrounding neck muscles in an isometric hold, strengthening the area.
STRETCHES
- Stylohyoid Stretch: Tilt your head backwards gently and open your mouth wide to stretch the stylohyoid muscle and surrounding neck structures.
- Jaw Stretch: Open your mouth as wide as possible and hold for a few seconds, then slowly close. This stretch helps relieve tightness in the stylohyoid and jaw muscles.
- Neck Side Stretch: Gently tilt your head to one side, holding for 20-30 seconds to release tension in the stylohyoid and other neck muscles.
- Chin-to-Chest Stretch: Tuck your chin towards your chest and hold for 10-15 seconds to stretch the back of the neck, relieving tension in the front of the neck and stylohyoid.
- Upper Trapezius Stretch: Sit or stand and gently tilt your head towards one shoulder while pulling your opposite shoulder down. This stretch releases tension in the upper neck, including the stylohyoid muscle.
